Double Take: The Many Reasons for Double-Eyelid Surgery

by
April Maguire

Double-eyelid surgery is a common procedure intended to lessen eye puffiness and smooth the upper eyelid, giving the recipient a more youthful image. A type of eyelid surgery, Asian blepharoplasty strives to turn single eyelids into double lids by creating an epicanthic fold.

While a recent report by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery lists eyelid procedures as the fourth most popular type of surgery in the US, a great deal of controversy exists about the treatment. Although critics of blepharoplasty insist that the procedure is designed to make people look more traditionally “white,” the truth is that people undergo double-eyelid surgery for a complicated array of reasons. Here are some of the factors that affect people’s decisions to pursue blepharoplasty.

Social and Family Pressures

A number of people pursuing Asian blepharoplasty do so because of pressure from their peers. It’s no secret that children can be merciless, and many Asian blepharoplasty patients say that they were made fun of for having smaller-than-average eyes. Others claim that having double-eyelid surgery is a rite of passage in their families. To fit in with friends and colleagues, some patients decide to have blepharoplasty even if they don’t necessarily have a problem with the way they look.

Medical Necessity

On the other hand, some individuals pursue blepharoplasty for reasons of medical necessity. Ptosis is a condition in which the eyelids droop, causing an asymmetrical appearance as well as vision problems and even headaches. Some men and women of Asian heritage pursue blepharoplasty to treat this issue and not because they wish to change their eye shape.

Double Standards in Plastic Surgery Motivation

While some people may undergo blepharoplasty for the wrong reasons, it would be a mistake to suggest that all or even most Asian people pursue this treatment in an attempt to appear more “white.” Just as Caucasian people don’t use spray tanning out of a desire to look like members of a different race, Asian individuals aren’t necessarily trying to mask their identities or meet more Western standards of beauty. Acknowledging that people pursue plastic surgery for a diverse array of reasons is crucial to giving them the respect they deserve as individuals.

Whatever their reasons, men and women who opt to pursue double-eyelid surgery should do their research before scheduling procedures. Make sure your doctor has significant experience in blepharoplasty and that you both possess the same vision of the surgical outcome before going under the knife.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about plastic surgery, please feel free to schedule a consultation or contact one of our representatives today!